DURBAN – Tropical storm Gombe is in the Mozambique Channel and currently poses no direct threat to South Africa.
That was based on information from Météo-France and the South African Weather Service (Saws).
In a 10.35am (time in Reunion) on Thursday, Météo-France said a low-pressure system was currently present over the south-west Indian Ocean.
A suspicious area was also present and there was a risk of formation of another moderate tropical storm for the next five days.
“North of the Mascarenes, conditions could once again become favourable for the deepening of a low-pressure low.
“There is, therefore, a low risk of the formation of a tropical storm early next week,” Météo-France said.
It said there was no current alert in Reunion and Mayotte, and no cyclone threat was expected for the next 72 hours.
Météo-France said tropical storm Gombe continued to intensify in the north of the Mozambique Channel and continues to move westwards towards the coasts of Mozambique.
It has reached the stage of a tropical cyclone and could become an intense tropical cyclone in the next few hours.
“It, therefore, presents a very serious threat to the province of Nampula where it could land at the end of the next night, particularly on the coast between Angoche and Nacala.
“The weather started to deteriorate this morning with stormy passages.
“During the day and especially the next night, the conditions will deteriorate significantly with an increase in the wind, precipitation and swell.
“Gusts that can exceed 200km/h accompanied by torrential rains and coastal flooding are to be feared near the impact zone (restricted zone of influence of the system).
“Even if there remains a small uncertainty on the exact trajectory and the future intensity of the system, the inhabitants of the area are invited to complete the final preparations as soon as possible and to comply with the instructions issued by the authorities,” Météo-France said.
On Tuesday, the Saws said tropical storm Gombe made landfall over northern Madagascar and was expected to move into the Mozambique Channel on Wednesday.
Saws said once in the channel, Gombe is expected to strengthen as a result of the warm sea surface temperatures combined with moisture from the ocean.
Gombe is forecasted to reach tropical cyclone intensity by Friday when it is projected to briefly make landfall over northern Mozambique.
This landfall will be short-lived, as currently Gombe is once again expected to enter the Mozambique Channel by Sunday.
“At this stage, Gombe poses no direct threat to South Africa.
“South Africans can be assured that the Saws will continue to closely (monitor) the situation and issue updates as and when necessary.
“The Saws will continue to closely monitor developments in this regard and will issue updates as and when necessary,” Saws said.
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